Creating Jobs, Attracting Capital, and Reshaping Midsize Cities With Nicholas Lalla

Nicholas (Nick) Lalla is the Founder and Managing Principal of Urban Reinvention Strategies, a consultancy that partners with cities to develop strategies and initiatives fostering inclusive growth through innovation and emerging technologies. He is nationally recognized for spearheading transformative urban initiatives, including founding Tulsa Innovation Labs, which invested over $200 million to establish northeast Oklahoma's tech economy. Previously, Nick led Cyber NYC, a major cybersecurity initiative by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, and launched a national resilience program at the Urban Land Institute to help cities address climate change. He is also the author of Reinventing the Heartland, which offers a pragmatic blueprint for cities that aim to build inclusive, tech-driven economies.

In this episode…

What does it take to transform a midsize city into a thriving hub for innovation and opportunity? Beyond capital and ambition, ensuring that progress is inclusive, measurable, and deeply rooted in a city's unique strengths requires intentional strategy and thoughtful execution. As communities across the heartland aim to reinvent themselves, what frameworks and mindset shifts are necessary to lead the way?

According to Nick Lalla, a civic entrepreneur and urban strategist, the key is building a tailored, data-driven innovation economy anchored in local assets. He highlights that success depends on identifying a city’s niche and making bold, focused investments — rather than diluting resources across disconnected initiatives. This strategy has not only mobilized over $200 million in Tulsa but also projected the creation of up to 70,000 new tech jobs. Nick emphasizes that sustained impact demands transparency, measurable goals, and a deep cultural shift toward accountability among civic leaders and funders.

In this episode of The Same Day Podcast, host Mat Zalk is joined by Nick Lalla, Founder and Managing Principal of Urban Reinvention Strategies, to talk about creating jobs, attracting capital, and reshaping midsize cities. They discuss Tulsa’s innovation playbook, the importance of civic mindset shifts, and strategies for building inclusive economic ecosystems. Nick also shares how local institutions and public-private partnerships can drive long-term prosperity.